Dairy Cattle Nutrition: Feeding Lactating and Dry Cows

Question 1

What is the basis of dairy feeding?

Answer 1

Forage

Question 2

When should high quality forages be used?

Answer 2

During early lactation

(Corn silage -> high quality forage)

Question 3

What are 3 likely problems during phase 2 of feeding of dairy cows?

Answer 3

1) Low milk production
2) Low fat test
3) Ketosis

Question 4

What 2 supplements are the most expensive part of the ration?

Answer 4

Grain and protein

Question 5

What level of percentage is soluble carbohydrates recommended?

Answer 5

30 - 35 %

Question 6

Which of the four feeding phases of dairy cows is the most critical? What happens during this phase?

Answer 6

Phase 1 is the most critical

Occurs during the first 70 days of lactation

High milk production

Question 7

Gradually ____ (decrease, increase) the amount of grain towards the end of the dry period

Answer 7

Gradually increase the amount of grain towards the end of the dry period so that the animal may be ready for calving and lactation

Question 8

In phase 1 of the feeding phases of dairy cows, when is the maximum milk production?

Answer 8

Around 4 weeks after calving

Question 9

In phase 2,

Maximum grain intake should be ___ % BW (DM basis)

Minimum forage should be ___ % BW (DM basis)

Answer 9

Maximum grain intake should be 2.3% BW

Minimum Forage should be 1.5% BW